Chevrolet’s ZR2 lineup has always had the chops to hang with some of the segment’s best. The one major hurdle though was that the package was roughly exclusive to the smaller Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and the Silverado 1500. But that’s now changing with the bowtie brigade confirming that the AEV treatment and the ZR2 trim will be coming to the bigger Silverado HD models for 2024 to help bring the fight to the Ram Power Wagon and the Ford Super Duty Tremor.
ZR2 Duo Brings Heavy Duty Fun At The Trails
A prominent catch here is that both packages will not be available on the 3500 model, instead, they will be exclusive to 2500 HD models equipped with the Crew Cab. That’s ok since Chevrolet designers went through a considerable amount of effort to transform the truck into an off-road bruiser. The front fascia of the Bison features a package exclusive front grille, the flow-tie badge, integrated mud guards in the wheel moldings and a steel skid plate to help protect the vulnerable bits and a separate aluminum plate under the nose.
A stamped steel front bumper is also part of the package and all models get 18-inch gloss black wheels. The interior mixes luxury and function with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster being complimented by a 13.4-inch infotainment system. Jet Black and Graystone leather upholstery is also scattered throughout the cabin. Buyers can even add an optional 15-inch heads-up display that comes with a bundled incline gauge. ZR2 models have more conventional upgrades but are still handsome in their own right.
Rugged Performance
Performance for the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD ZR2 and ZR2 Bison mirrors what we have seen in the standard HD lineup with a 401-horsepower 6.6-liter gasoline V8 being the base engine with the 6.6-liter 470-hp Duramax turbodiesel V8 serving as the optional mill. A 10-speed automatic is mated to both engines and the Bison gets a standard electronically operated limited slip differential that can be operated via a button in the cabin.
Multimatic DSSV dampers also see duty here and they help enhance ride quality when the going gets tough. The suspension also gets a 1.5-inch lift versus other HD models and beefed up steering knuckles and suspension components help the truck take an impressive amount of abuse. It will be interesting to see how the model measures up against the Power Wagon and the Tremor with the latter model having a beefier diesel engine than the Chevy.
When Can I Buy One?
Chevrolet wasn’t ready to reveal formal pricing for the 2024 Silverado HD ZR2 and the ZR2 Bison but did confirm that production on both models will begin this summer. Look for those figures to be on par with their rivals and will also be a noticeable premium over the standard HD model.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.